It is a formidable task to optimize a plantwide hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI)
steam network. Such systems are complex, and they provide
services to multiple processing units. Too often, the system
network is revamped in pieces to meet the needs for new
processing units without considerations for the whole steam
system. When optimizing an existing steam network, design and
process engineers need a complete understanding of all aspects
of the existing system. Accurate energy and material balances
must be established to define the HPI complexs baseline.
Likewise, a current definition of the specific steam-system
behavior, in response to shifts in supply and demand, is
critical information.

Subscribe now for premium access and unlimited access to the site, including archived articles and the process handbooks. Start a free trial to gain access to articles from the current issue of Hydrocarbon Processing.